New England Patriots: Projected Depth Chart - Part Two

This is the second in a series of projected depth chart articles. This part will focus on the offensive line.

The offensive line could be the difference between a good offense and a great offense. A great QB can't do much if his line doesn't protect him well enough. A great RB won't produce as many big runs as he is capable of if he has no holes to run into. So that shows the line is a massive part of the offense.

This is my take on who will be on the line for the Patriots in the 2010 season.

For Part 1 of this series here is the link
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/401273-new-england-patriots-projected-depth-chart-part-one

Left Tackle

A LT is supposed to be a quarterback's best friend. He is in charge of protecting the blind side and making sure the QB doesn't get creamed.

The starter for New England isn't a sure thing as either Matt Light or Sebastian Vollmer could start at this position. Both have the talent to start but the difference is that Vollmer can also play great at right tackle so Light will play on the left this year at least.

Light is a two time pro bowler and was also a first team all-pro in 2007, so he is very qualified to protect Brady's blindside.

Backing him up will be Vollmer who will vacate the right side if need be, but there will be more about him later.

Left Guard

At left guard it is pretty much written in stone that Logan Mankins will start, unless he doesn't sign his tender.

Mankins, like Light, is a two time Pro Bowler and was a first team all-pro in 2007. Mankins has played five seasons in the league and has not missed a game yet starting 16 games for every season he has been in the league.

During OTA's, which Mankins skipped, there was some intrigue as to who would take Mankins snaps at left guard. That honour was laid upon Nick Kaczur, who will fill in for Mankins should anything happen.

Though if there is an injury at one of the tackle positions there must be another backup for Mankins. That role will be up for grabs between Dan Connolly, Rich Ohrnberger and George Bussey. I think Connolly should come out on top having been on the Patriots roster since 2007. Also Connolly has the versatility to play Center which will only help him make the roster.

Right Guard

Stephen Neal nearly retired this past off-season but signed a new two year contract to keep his role at right guard.

The former college wrestling great has been solid on New England's line since 2004 though he has been far from spectacular.

Backing him up should be Dan Connolly as I only have the Patriots keeping three Guards on the roster. Though Rich Ohrnberger should give him a run for his money in training camp and could even beat him out of a job.

Right Tackle

Last year Nick Kaczur started at right tackle and was the only New England offensive lineman to allow more than two sacks, with him allowing 4.5 sacks and that was only in 13 starts. He was definitely the weak link on an otherwise very strong line.

Last year Sebastian Vollmer started eight games and also started against Baltimore in the playoffs. In those nine games Vollmer showed he was a much better option than Kaczur at right tackle and may even be a better tackle than Matt Light. This year Vollmer should be the starter from the start.

Backing him up will be Kaczur but if Light goes down New England will need another tackle at the ready. This will come down to Mark LeVoir and rookie Thomas Welch. This is a tough decision to make as the Patriots traded up to take Welch so they obviously saw something in him, but Levoir has impressed when he has seen the field so I think the Patriots go with the trusted veteran and try to keep Welch on the practice squad.

Round Up

I think the line, with the full time addition of Sebastian Vollmer, could be even better then it was last year when it allowed the third fewest sacks in the league with only 18 sacks allowed. This should allow the man in the image to do what he does best which is throw the football.

Vollmer is also a very good run blocker so that should help open more running lanes for Maroney and co.